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Dear Census Bureau ...

Dear Census Bureau,

We live in an area that is deemed to be a “Census Designated Place” by the U.S. Census.   It is called “Tucker, GA” and has a population of approximately 30K.  

In the 2000 census, your CDP designation included the territory that exactly matched the same turf as our dedicated zip  code.  However, the 2010 census changed slightly.  Even though it appeared that Tucker had grown in terms of population, the census did not include a portion of our zip code territory that is located on the inside of the 285 Interstate perimeter that circles the city of Atlanta.

 Which map is the right way to define traditional Tucker?
The map above is the 2000 Census Designated Place (CDP)
that matches the Tucker zip code of 30084 and includes
portions of Gwinnett County.

The map below is the 2010 CDP which shows a smaller area
in a single county, yet an increase in population AND the
inclusion of the contested Evansdale community.

The problem we are now having is that there are portions of other communities surrounding us that want to incorporate.  And, based on the 2010 designation, these areas are claiming that Tucker somehow “lost” its claim to the area that is inside that perimeter.  The property is zoned primarily as commercial and industrial, so it has become very attractive to those who want to create a city because they can include it in their tax base.  

However, there are many of us who live in Tucker, near this commercial area who believe that the change of designation by the Census Bureau was more of a reflection of the fact that it had changed over the 10 years into a primarily or entirely commercial tract, which would not be included in a census designation because you look at population centers – or where the PEOPLE are located as opposed to where the BUSINESSES are located.

Can you please help us determine who is right?  Some sort of an official letter or statement from your office would be very much appreciated.  Our various groups have until Nov. 15 to determine where things belong and if Tucker loses its claim to the commercial area near us, our own goals of one day becoming a city will be most likely delayed another 20 years, if not indefinitely.  

Thank you.  We look forward to hearing from you.

XXXX
Save Tucker!
http://savetuckerfromlakesidecity.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/savetuckerfromlakesidecity


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